Recalls: Ford PX Ranger Pick-Up
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford PX Ranger Pick-Up
Ford PX Ranger Double Cab: rear seat may not lock into upright position #1
In October 2012, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger double cab vehicles that were available for sale from 23 May 2011 to 13 February 2012. In these vehicles, the rear seatback latch may not engage correctly such that the seatback may fall forward and pose a safety hazard to occupants in the event of a collision (PRA 2012/13330).
Ford PX Ranger with Bull Bars: mounting bolts may fracture
In July 2015, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger utilities that had Ford Genuine Accessory Steel Bull Bars. For these vehicles, the four mounting bolts used to secure the bull bar may not meet specifications and could fracture – if this occurred, the bull bar may separate from the vehicle, posing a traffic hazard (PRA 2015/14838).
Ford PX Ranger Double Cab: rear seat may not lock into upright position #2
In September 2016, a recall was issued for Ford PX and PX Mark II Ranger Double Cab vehicles because the rear folding seatback latch spring could break and cause the latch mechanism to fail. If this occurred, it could prevent the rear setback from locking into the upright position. In the event of a collision, this could increase the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Until the safety recall repair was completed, Ford advised that the rear seat should not be occupied by passengers unless they had confirmed that the rear seatback was secure – this could be performed by gripping the top of the seatback and pulling it firmly towards the front of the vehicle. If the seatback moved forward, it was not fully engaged and should therefore not be occupied (PRA 2016/15625).
2011-12 Ford PX Ranger: output shaft speed sensor failure
In December 2016, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 5 November 2011 to 7 November 2012. In these vehicles, an intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor could fail and cause the transmission to downshift into first gear. If this occurred while the vehicle was being driven, it could cause an abrupt wheel speed reduction – this could cause the rear tyres to lock up until vehicle speed slowed, and could result in a loss of vehicle control (PRA 2016/15793).
2016-17 Ford PX Ranger: side airbags may not deploy
In September 2017, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 29 October 2016 to 24 February 2017. In these vehicles, the airbag initiators within the side airbag modules may contain an incorrect chemical mixture that could prevent the airbag from inflating in the event of a collision – this would increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants (PRA 2017/16321).
2015-16 Ford PX Ranger with manual transmission: gearshift cables may contact rear driveshaft
In November 2017, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that had manual transmissions and were manufactured from 5 June 2015 to 12 February 2016. In these vehicles, the gearshift cable retaining clip may not have been securely fastened and this could enable the gearshift cables to make contact with the rear driveshaft. Continued contact between the gearshift cables and driveshaft could damage both components, causing difficulties in changing gears and/or loss of drive which could pose an accident hazard. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16405.
2016-18 Ford PX Ranger: vegetation near exhaust system may ignite
In December 2017, a recall (17S43) was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were available for sale from 12 July 2016 to 7 December 2017; in June 2018, this recall was extended to include vehicles available for sale up to 5 April 2018. When these vehicles were driven over long grass, vegetation may accumulate near the exhaust system (under the vehicle). If sufficient grass or other combustible material accumulated, it could be ignited by the exhaust system – the resultant fire may cause smoke or flames to appear from under the vehicle. For the VINs of the recalled Ford PX Ranger vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16479.
2018 Ford PX Ranger: potential loss of steering
In June 2018, a recall was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 18 March 2018 to 11 April 2018. In these vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft weld may not meet required specifications such that the steering column could detach from the steering gear. If this occurred, the driver may experience a loss of steering which would increase the risk of a collision and injury. As part of the recall, Ford dealers were to inspect the intermediate steering shaft weld and replace the shaft if the weld failed the inspection. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16826.
2011-15 Ford PX Ranger: door may not latch
In November 2018, recall campaign 18S06 was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 23 May 2011 to 20 May 2015. In these vehicles, the pawl spring tab in a side-door latch may break and this would prevent the door from latching. If it was possible to close the door, the door could then unlatch while the vehicle was being driven – this posed a hazard to other road users and vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17164.
2018 Ford PX Ranger: front brake calliper may crack
In May 2019, recall campaign 19S10 was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 7 March 2018 to 13 April 2018. In these vehicles, the front brake calliper material may not meet specifications and this could cause the calliper to crack. If this occurred, there may be a loss of brake fluid and increased stopping distances – these factors increased the risk of a collision. If the front brake calliper cracked, the brake system warning lamp of the instrument cluster would illuminate. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17535.
2016-18 Ford PX Ranger: potential front brake hose failure
In May 2019, recall campaign 19S12 was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 1 March 2016 to 13 July 2018. In these vehicles, the front brake hose may have developed a twist during assembly – this could create a tight bend in the hose that caused the inner and outer hose layers to wear when driven over extreme bumps that required greater suspension travel. If the front brake hose failed, there could be a loss of brake fluid, increased brake pedal travel and increased stopping distances – these factors increased the risk of a collision. Furthermore, the driver should be alerted to failure of the front brake hose by illumination of the brake system warning lamp in the instrument cluster. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17536.
2017-19 Ford PX Ranger: transmission fluid pump gears could fail
In June 2020, recall campaign 20S10 was issued for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 19 December 2017 to 15 October 2019. In these vehicles, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while the vehicle was being driven – this could cause a loss of hydraulic fluid pressure in the transmission, which could result in a loss of drive (i.e. ‘motive power’). Such an occurrence could increase the risk of a collision and could result in serious injury to vehicle occupants and/or other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18271.
Problems and faults: Ford PX Ranger Pick-Up
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Ford PX Ranger: EGR cooler failure and overheating
The Ford PX Ranger 2.2 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi engines have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers located at the rear of the engine. The cooler has two coolant lines which enter it and are used to cool exhaust gases in the EGR system. The EGR cooler, however, is susceptible to splitting internally.
If the EGR cooler splits, coolant will leak and this loss of coolant may cause the engine to overheat and head gasket failure. In some cases, coolant may enter the exhaust manifold. However, coolant may also enter the combustion chambers of the cylinders, causing bent connecting rods or a cracked cylinder head.
It is recommended that Ford PX Ranger owners regularly check their coolant levels. While it has been suggested that Ford changed their initial supplier of EGR coolers, AustralianCar.Reviews has been unable to verify this. If buying a PX Ranger, it may be worthwhile to have a pressure test conducted on the EGR cooler.
Ford PX Ranger 3.2 TDCi: leaking diesel injectors
For the Ford PX Ranger 3.2 TDCi, there have been reports of the diesel fuel injectors leaking excess fuel from as little as 70,000 kilometres. Symptoms of leaking injectors include:
- A rattling noise from the engine;
- Misfires;
- A variable or surging idle; and,
- Increased fuel consumption.
If excess fuel is leaking into the cylinder, the misfires can cause damage to the surface of the pistons – the piston surface may melt or have a ‘hole’ blown in the top of it.
It is recommended that the injectors be replaced every 100,000 kilometres; while injectors can be ‘re-manufactured’, such injectors may have half the life of new injectors. When the injectors are removed, the injector seat can be re-cut to ensure an effective seal.
2013-14 Ford PX Ranger: 6R80 transmission emits growl noise when shifting
AustralianCar.Reviews understands that Ford issued a technical service bulletin for SZ Territory and PX Ranger vehicles that had six-speed 6R80 automatic transmissions in July 2014. According to the service bulletin, the transmission may emit a ‘growl’ or ‘buzz’ noise when shifting from 1) park to drive or 2) park to reverse – the noise was most commonly heard after the vehicle had been parked and then restarted.
Depending on the build date of the transmission, which could be determined from the transmission identification tag on the side of the transmission, the main control valve body separate plate or main control assembly was to be replaced. Specifically,
- For transmissions built from 1 August 2013 to 28 February 2014 : the main control valve body separator plate was to be replaced (part number CL3Z-7Z490-C);
- For transmissions built from 1 March 2014 to 15 March 2014: the main control assembly was to be replaced (part number FL3Z-7A100-E); and,
- For transmissions built from 16 March 2014 to 14 July 2014: the main control valve body separator plate was to be replaced (part number FL3Z-7Z490-E).
Ford PX Ranger: dual mass flywheel and clutch wear
For Ford PX Ranger 2.2 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi vehicles with manual transmissions, the dual mass flywheel can cause accelerated clutch wear. Symptoms of clutch wear include:
- A pulsing through the clutch pedal or shudder when accelerating from rest; and,
- Difficulty shifting from first to second gear.
To fix, the clutch must be replaced; depending on its condition, the dual mass flywheel may also require replacement.
While dual mass flywheels provide smoother gearshifts than conventional (solid) flywheels, they are not as durable and vulnerable to the high torque output of diesel engines and high loads caused by towing. For this reason, a common modification for vehicles with turbo-diesel engines is to replace the dual mass flywheel with a solid flywheel.
2011-14 Ford Ranger 3.2 TDCi: worn heater hose and coolant leak
In late 2014, it is understood that Ford initiated a service campaign for Ford PX Ranger vehicles that had 3.2-litre diesel engines. In these vehicles, the heater hose beneath the fuel filter was secured by a plastic clip; if the clip failed, the hose could rub against shielding on the fuel line. Over time, damage to the heater hose could cause coolant to leak.
As part of the service campaign, the hose would be inspected and – if in acceptable condition – would be fitted with a braided sleeve for protection and secured by additional brackets. If there was damage to the hose, it would be replaced.
Ford PX Ranger: ‘limp home’ mode due to high fuel temperature
For the Ford PX Ranger and Mazda Mk.2 BT-50, there have been reports of the vehicle entering ‘limp home’ mode – which restricts engine output and vehicle speed – due to temperature readings in excess of 80 degrees Celsius from the fuel temperature sensor; in normal operation, the fuel temperature should be 40-60 degrees Celsius. In some instances, the vehicle has entered ‘limp home’ mode without diagnostic codes being logged in the powertrain control module (PCM).
The high fuel temperature readings may be caused by a sticking piston in the fuel injector pump. The injector pump has three pistons running on a camshaft and, if a piston is sticking, score marks may be visible on the camshaft. If the piston is sticking, fuel remains in the chamber of the pump and overheats, causing the high fuel temperature readings.
Owners have also experienced high fuel temperatures due to the fuel return line becoming kinked as a result of a long-range fuel tank being fitted.
2011-13 Ford Ranger: HVAC actuator (P1307) service campaign
In late 2013, a service bulletin was issued for Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak vehicles that were manufactured from 23 May 2011 to 19 August 2013. In these vehicles, the air conditioning system had actuators (one for each side of the vehicle) that controlled the proportion of hot and cold air. These actuators had plastic gears that could be stripped, or the actuator motor could fail. Symptoms of a faulty actuator are:
- A clicking noise on start-up or when the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are used; and,
- The air conditioning system blowing fully hot or fully cold air.
If the actuators were still working, they would be re-programmed to prevent ‘over travel’. If, however, the actuators were faulty, then they would be replaced and re-programmed.
Ford PX Ranger 3.2 TDCi: oil changes and oil pump
Ford PX Ranger vehicles with 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engines have a chain-driven, variable flow oil pump that is located in the sump and increases oil flow with engine speed. When an oil change is performed, oil should not be drained for more than 10 minutes; if oil is drained for longer, oil may drain from not only the sump but from inside the oil pump assembly. If this occurs, the oil pump may not be able to re-prime itself such that the engine will not be properly lubricated on start-up. Furthermore, increasing engine speed does not re-prime the oil pump and risks serious engine damage.
When performing an oil change, the following steps should be followed:
- Remove and replace the oil filter;
- Remove the sump plug and drain the old oil;
- Put the sump plug back with a new washer;
- Add the new engine oil;
- Start the engine. The oil warning light should go off after five (5) seconds. If not, the oil pump has drained and significant work will be required to prime the pump; and,
- Re-check oil level.
Ford PX Ranger: rattling noise from exhaust heat shield
In some Ford PX Ranger and Mazda Mk.2 BT-50 vehicles, there may be a rattling noise from the exhaust heat shield because the rivets which hold it in place have become loose. To fix, bigger rivets are fitted.
